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Can a Paladin Use Cure Wounds? A Comprehensive Guide

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Yes, Paladins can absolutely use Cure Wounds. This potent healing spell is a staple in many D&D parties, and Paladins are one of the classes that have access to it. As a divine spellcaster, the Paladin draws upon their faith and devotion to mend wounds and restore vitality to themselves and their allies. This ability reinforces their role as protectors and healers, making them valuable assets both in and out of combat. They also can dip one level into bard to get healing word. Now, let’s delve deeper into the healing capabilities of Paladins and address some common questions.

Paladins as Healers: More Than Just Smiting

Paladins are often seen as powerful combatants, known for their divine smites and heavy armor. However, their healing abilities are equally significant. The Cure Wounds spell is just one piece of the puzzle. Paladins can also access other healing spells and abilities that enhance their support role. This combination of martial prowess and divine healing makes Paladins a versatile and essential part of any adventuring party.

Understanding the Cure Wounds Spell

Before diving into the specifics of the Paladin’s healing capabilities, let’s recap what Cure Wounds does:

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Target: A creature you touch
Components: Verbal (V), Somatic (S)
Duration: Instantaneous
Effect: A creature you touch regains a number of hit points equal to 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier (Charisma for Paladins).

The touch range is a crucial aspect of the spell, requiring the Paladin to be in close proximity to the target. This means that positioning and strategic movement are important considerations when deciding when and how to use Cure Wounds effectively.

Other Healing Abilities for Paladins

While Cure Wounds is a primary healing spell, Paladins have access to other spells and features that provide healing and support, such as:

Lay on Hands: A signature Paladin ability that allows them to heal a creature with a pool of healing points. This is a versatile ability that can be used multiple times between rests.
Healing Word: As mentioned previously, Paladins can gain access to Healing Word through multiclassing or feats.
Lesser Restoration: Cures diseases and conditions like blinded or paralyzed.
Aura of Vitality: Heals a small amount of hit points each round for up to a minute.
Prayer of Healing: Though it is not a paladin spell, it is a powerful option if other party members can cast it.

These abilities, combined with Cure Wounds, provide Paladins with a comprehensive healing toolkit. Different oaths can grant them even further healing options. The Oath of the Crown, for example, grants additional spells focused on protecting and healing others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Paladin Healing

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide additional information about Paladins and their healing capabilities in D&D:

Can Paladins cast Healing Word?
- Not natively. Paladins do not have Healing Word on their spell list. However, they can gain access to it through feats like Magic Initiate, which allows them to choose spells from another class’s spell list. Alternatively, they can take a level in Bard or another class that has access to Healing Word.
How effective are Paladins as healers compared to Clerics?
- Clerics are typically better dedicated healers due to their broader access to healing spells and abilities. However, Paladins can be effective secondary healers, especially with their Lay on Hands ability.
Do all Paladin Oaths have the same healing capabilities?
- No. While all Paladins have access to the base Paladin spells and abilities, some oaths grant additional healing-related spells or features. For example, the Oath of the Crown Paladin has access to spells like Warding Bond.
Can Paladins heal themselves with Cure Wounds?
- Yes. Cure Wounds targets “a creature you touch,” which includes the Paladin themselves.
Does the Paladin’s Charisma score affect their healing?
- Yes. The Paladin’s Charisma score is their spellcasting ability and affects the amount of healing provided by spells like Cure Wounds. The healing amount equals 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier.
Can Paladins use healing potions?
- Yes, anyone can use a healing potion, regardless of class. It is a common and effective way to restore hit points.
Is it worth it for a Paladin to focus on healing spells?
- While Paladins are effective healers, their strength lies in their ability to balance healing with combat and support. Focusing solely on healing may diminish their overall effectiveness.
How does Lay on Hands work?
- Lay on Hands is a pool of healing points that a Paladin can use to restore hit points to a creature they touch. They can also use Lay on Hands to cure diseases and poisons.
Can a Paladin bring someone back from the dead?
- Paladins can learn Revivify to bring back someone from the dead. It requires a diamond worth at least 300 gold pieces.
Can a Paladin heal undead creatures?
- Generally, healing spells and abilities do not affect undead creatures. Some spells and abilities can specifically harm undead creatures.
What are some good feats for a Paladin who wants to improve their healing capabilities?
- Magic Initiate (for Healing Word or other healing spells), Healer (for additional healing options), and Inspiring Leader (for temporary hit points) are all good choices.
Can Paladins heal conditions like blindness or paralysis?
- Yes, through spells like Lesser Restoration which can cure diseases and conditions like blinded or paralyzed.
Does a Paladin’s alignment affect their healing abilities?
- In 5th Edition D&D, a Paladin’s alignment has less impact on their abilities compared to previous editions. However, deviating significantly from their Oath’s tenets can still have consequences.
Can a Paladin use Cure Wounds to heal a creature who is unconscious?
- Yes, a Paladin can use Cure Wounds on an unconscious creature, as long as they are within touch range.
How does Aura of Vitality compare to Cure Wounds for Paladins?
- Cure Wounds provides a larger burst of healing, while Aura of Vitality provides smaller amounts of healing over time. The best choice depends on the situation. Cure Wounds is better for immediate healing, while Aura of Vitality is better for sustained healing over multiple rounds.

The Strategic Use of Healing

Understanding when and how to use healing spells and abilities is crucial for a Paladin. Here are some tips:

Prioritize: Focus on healing allies who are at risk of being knocked unconscious.
Conserve: Don’t waste high-level spell slots on minor wounds. Use Lay on Hands or lower-level spells for smaller amounts of healing.
Anticipate: Try to anticipate incoming damage and heal allies before they take too much damage.
Position: Be mindful of your positioning so you can reach allies who need healing.
Combine: Use your healing abilities in conjunction with your other abilities, such as your defensive abilities or your offensive abilities.
Remember: You are a Paladin, not solely a healer. Do not neglect your other abilities.

Conclusion: The Paladin as a Protector and Healer

Paladins are powerful protectors and healers, capable of wielding both martial and divine power. Their access to Cure Wounds, combined with other healing abilities, makes them valuable assets to any adventuring party. By understanding their healing capabilities and using them strategically, Paladins can keep their allies alive and ensure victory against even the most challenging foes. To further your understanding of game-based learning and the educational power of games like D&D, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Games Learning Society is dedicated to exploring and promoting the use of games as tools for education and engagement.